Yohan Lainesse

Yohan Lainesse plans to finish CFFC 98 opponent Evan Cutts for first time ever

Yohan Lainesse is aiming to be the first person to put away CFFC welterweight champion Evan Cutts.

The two face off in the CFFC 98 headliner at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on  July 3. At 12-4, Cutts is yet to be finished in a fight.

Lainesse plans to change that during their scrap on UFC Fight Pass.

“I think I am going to finish him and I am very excited about that because in 16 fights, he’s never been finished,” Lainesse said. “This performance is going to put me in another league.”

Yohan Lainesse predicts he will put Evan Cutts to sleep

Lainesse is still impressed with Cutts durability stemming from his split decision over former champion Bassil Hafez at CFFC 94 last April. Cutts took some punishment in the five-round affair, but managed to squeeze out a decision victory.

Lainesse is known for his striking ability, winning four out of his six bouts by TKO/knockout. The 28-year-old is confident his power will be too much for Cutts to withstand. 

“Of course Evan Cutts is tough to finish, but he can take a lot of punches and I don’t know how he can stay on his feet. Bassil threw him a lot of punches, so I think Cutts has  a great chin,” Lainesse said. “I am the kind of guy that when I touch, the guy goes to sleep. So if I touch Evan Cutts like he was touched in his fight before, he is going to sleep for sure.”

More experience

Lainesse is the first to admit Cutts is his most experienced opponent to date. “White Lion” is yet to face any opponent with more than six fights at the time of the contest. 

He most recently handed Troy Green his first professional loss via unanimous decision at CFFC 93 in March. 

Cutts is a 10-year professional with a decision win over current UFC welterweight Ramiz Brahimaj. He’s also mixed it up with “The Ultimate Fighter” season 16 winner Colton Smith and UFC veteran Sean Spencer.

Cutts is the ideal next step according to the Canadian.

“I am very happy about that because in ym last fight I did three round sof five minutes and it gave me a lot of confidence, experience and maturity, so I am ready for a big test like that,” Lainesse said.  “My game is better when the pressure is there, so of course I love the pressure.”

Nothing to lose

Lainesse will look to earn his fifth-career finish in his first-ever main event appearance. The three-time CFFC veteran is excited for the opportunity. 

With Cutts being the more seasoned fighter and current champion, Lainesse is considering himself the underdog. He is fine with having to climb up the division.

He is days away from cementing his spot at he top. He plans to put a stamp on it. 

“I have nothing to lose,” Lainesse said. “I am the kind of guy who elevates my game when the pressure is there.”

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Connor Northrup
Connor Northrup once covered municipal meetings and promised himself never again. He is now combining his passion for Mixed Martial Arts and reporting all into one.